George William Dorman
August 10, 1925 - December 4, 2009
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our father, George William Dorman. George was well known throughout the city of Nanaimo for his long standing devotion to the lumber industry. He is survived by his sister Dorothy Eusanio, brother Fred Dorman & Alice and his children Lynn Mutter (Dennis, Wendy & Randy), Janice Dorman (Monique & Marshal, Eric), Brian Dorman & Tricia (Jesse, Jordie, Justin, Wyatt, Tristan), Kevin Dorman (Amber), Darlene Dorman & Doug (Breanna, Shelby), Tim Dorman & Sheila (Jennifer & Cody), Randy Dorman & Julie (Kaelyn, Trevor), five great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
George was born in Vancouver, British Columbia on August 10, 1925 and passed away peacefully at the age of 84 at Dufferin Place on December 4, 2009.
As a young boy George was active in many sports, particularly soccer and lacrosse. He enlisted in the Navy in 1943 and served until 1945. When he returned from the Navy, he started working at the McKay Lake sawmill.
George and his brother, Fred ran Brechin Sawmill on the current site of BC Ferries in Departure Bay. In 1957 George started a small chipper mill on a neighbouring property owned by one of his friends. When a fire consumed Brechin Sawmill in 1958, George continued with his chipper mill expanding it to a full scale sawmill.
George’s first marriage to June produced two daughters. His second marriage to Shirley brought five more children into the world.
George’s outgoing personality and generosity helped him to make many lifetime pals. Davey Peffers, Harlen Giese, Terry Rodway, John (Shakey) Bohoslowich, Frank Ney and many others too numerous to mention, could be counted amongst his closest pals. Unfortunately, George was predeceased by many of his dear friends. Nevertheless, his friendships were very strong and never ending.
George could never stop working. He always hired friends, family members and so many young men (Denton’s, Baumel’s, Clark’s, Senini’s, Zboyovsky’s, Singbeil’s, Carrano’s, Ingram’s and Bajich’s) who were sons of friends and acquaintances. Some of those families are presently working for his son, Brian. His generosity and warmth will always be remembered throughout the generations of people he has helped. There was no limit to the compassion of this “Diamond in the rough.” His heart was as big as all outdoors. At the height of his career he owned and operated two sawmills in Nanaimo. He exported his lumber all over the world, including Australia, where he met his third wife.
His passion and love of the outdoors were the result of countless fishing and hunting trips with family and friends. The annual Duck hunting trips to Alberta always brought back many hilarious stories. George’s tales have helped to foster a love of the outdoors by his sons and grandsons. The legacy continues. “Let’s give them a burp boys.”
Tennis also was one of George’s passions. He enjoyed many years of tennis with great friends Laurie Webb and Mike Yoshida. For many years George also encouraged his children in the Annual Bathtub race. Along with his good pal Frank Ney, he delighted in seeing his children succeed. George accomplished many things in his life, told many tales and lived life as he wanted. George wrote a partial memoir and published it as a book, “Up in the Morning out on the Job.” He had a way of making dreams reality. He was a hard worker who give it his all.
He will be greatly missed, but not forgotten. WE love you Dad.
The Dorman family would like to express their thankfulness to the staff at Dufferin Place for making dad’s last few years comfortable. And also a sincere thank you to Dr. Brian Chipman Calvin for going above and beyond the call of duty looking after Dad.
A memorial service will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 12, 2009, followed by burial at Cedar Valley Memorial and celebration of life to be held at the Branch 256 Legion, Bowen Road at 3:00 p.m.